Monday, March 16th, 2026
OSMT Meeting at Cheekwood In-Person (Massey Hall) & Online via Zoom – Password = OSMT2026

7PM CST: – Dr. Clark Riley – “60 Years of Orchid Growing Mistakes (including the top 10 Orchid Growing Mistakes) and how to fix them“

Dr. Clark Riley – has been an active orchid grower since 1957, when at the age of six, he received his first plant—a probably-collected Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens) from a perennial nursery. Though the plant met an unfortunate end shortly after blooming, it sparked a passion for orchids that has endured for more than half a century. Clark has since dedicated himself to promoting sound cultivation practices, particularly for Lady’s Slippers, and grows a diverse collection including several thousand terrestrials, hardy species, Lady’s Slippers, Brazilian Laelias, and specialty Phalaenopsis—often raised from seed.

His journey began with indoor growing under lights for the first 50 years, followed by the construction of a custom greenhouse after extensive planning and research. Clark has vast experience in various setups: from home and basement environments to multi-zone greenhouses and outdoor garden spaces suited for hardy orchids in climates like Maryland’s. He began pollinating orchids 25 years ago to propagate rare species and create hybrids, and he produced the book and CD of the Proceedings of the North American Native Terrestrial Orchid Conference. A long-time member of the Maryland Orchid Society since 1988 and the American Orchid Society, Clark is a sought-after speaker on topics like orchid culture, terrestrials, taxonomy, Cypripediums and Selenipediums, greenhouses, and more.

In this presentation, Clark will candidly discuss the mistakes he’s made, plants he’s lost, and key changes in his cultural practices over the decades. Featuring his “Top 10 Cultural Mistakes (and How to Fix ‘Em),” this 45-50 minute talk promises practical advice to help growers at all levels succeed—perhaps even avoiding some of his hard-learned lessons! Clark’s session will include insights into potting and demonstrations where applicable.

For more on Clark, visit his website at http://cyps.us or contact him at DrRiley@aol.com.

CLICK HERE!!! for Zoom Meeting Link -> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87359058097?pwd=U5LudoAb5IYhUfNDwbHWlmegMKpSQS.1

Meeting ID: 873 5905 8097

Passcode: OSMT2026